Hello, Everyone,

It's time to sign up for the May Happy Blocks.

The theme for May 2008 is ~~~~~~>

* * * Oriental Florals with a Gold Mettalic Accent * * *

I got this idea after looking at the photos of Jenn’s 2008 BC BOM blocks which you can view in the album here:
http://blockcentral.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6971052502/m/7551045063
Jenn’s blocks were so striking, I started thinking about what a stunning quilt these might make in the simple Happy Block layout.

Please choose only two Oriental or Asian themed fabrics for each block, one for the centers, one for the border. At least one of your fabrics should have a Gold Metallic thread or printed accent. This should ensure some uniformity in the recipient’s quilts.

Here are some sample blocks and possible design lay-outs to give you an idea of what this might look like in a quilt:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/sets/72157603848418028/

To view as a slideshow click here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/sets/72157603848418028/show/

Since I am such a newbie to BC, Oknana has graciously agreed to mentor me through this process. Thanks, Dorene!

Please follow the guidelines set forth moons ago for these great blocks!
Let's have Fun!!!

Anyone interested in this swap should let me know how many blocks you want to make (as many as you want ... limit 10) before the drawing date of the month. You may make any number between 2 to 10 blocks, as long as the number you make is divisible by 2, since we have 2 winners each month~~ Names will be drawn on the first Friday of May, 2008, and the number of blocks you choose to make will determine how many times you get your name in the pot for a chance to win half of the month's blocks.NOTE: your name goes in a max of 6 times, even if you make more - this was stated at the very beginning of this swap idea last year. The first name drawn will choose the block theme for July.

All participants must PM me with the following information:
Name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Number of Blocks:

All personal information will be completely confidential and is required by the Moderators to ensure that this remains a happy experience for everyone.

Each participant is responsible for sending half of her blocks to each of the two winners.
I will PM everyone participating with the mail addresses of the winners.

The Happy Block is made from a 4 1/2" unfinished center square which is then surrounded by another single fabric as a border. The border pieces measure 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished for the sides and 8 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished for the top and bottom borders. The unfinished block will measure 8 1/2" square.

Please try to use only one fabric for the center square of a block and only one fabric for the border of a block, so that the winner will be able to make a quilt with some design uniformity. You may choose to make all of your blocks identical or all different.If you have any questions, please post on the thread or PM one of the Moderators.

Participating and winning the March blocks has been such a fun experience for me I can only say that everyone needs "Happy Blocks" in their life!

Sign-up list for May Happy Blocks:

Scrapatches (Pat) – 8 ... hostess, not in drawing
Gerda - 6 ... info recieved
Barb McF - 6 ... info received
CaroleP - 6 ... info received
Nanawing (Laura) 6 ... info received
Linda O - 6 ... info received
Freyja80 (Kylie) - 6 ... info received
Dirt Ball Felicia - 6 ... info received
Oknana (Dorene) - 6 ... info received
Betty2Max - 6 ... info received
refinnej120 (Jennifer) - 6 ... info received
Quiltinglass (Debbie) - 6 ... info received
Zoopme(Cindi) - 6 ... info received
Sew crazy (Shari) - 4 ... info received
Smt42 (Susie) - 4 ... info received
Rebecca P - 6 ... info received
Vicky - 6 ... info received
Shelia - 6 ... info received
Betty A - 6 ... info received



Total Number of Blocks so far: 112
Number for each winner: 56


Up to a total of 112 blocks on April 28th!!!



Let's keep those happy block sign-ups coming in so the winner's will have a good-sized quilt in May.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up so far!

Good Luck, everyone!

Now let's all play Happy Blocks!

Pat ~~~~~~~~~>

"Making Happy Blocks for the First Time"

Fabric for these blocks should be 100% cotton quilting fabric.

Before cutting and sewing, please wash your fabric with mild soap on and dry in the dryer or on the line.

Carefully press all your fabric with a lift and press action so as not to stretch and distort the fabric.


Happy Block
Finished Block Size (In Quilt): 8" x 8"
Unfinished size 8 1/2 " x 8 1/2"


Making the Block:

Step 1 ~
Cutting:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2347593759/in/set-72157603848418028/

From “Frame” fabric cut:
2 ~ 4½ " x 2½" rectangles
and
2 ~ 8½ " x 2½" rectangles

From “Center Square” Fabric cut:
1 ~ 4 ½” square.

Design Tip: You may want to “fussy cut” the 4 ½ inch center squares so that a center motif is centered in the square, as in the case in the center of the Oriental Floral blocks as shown.

Step 2 ~
Lay out the block, as illustrated above.

Step 3 ~
Sew the units together, as follows:

Usually, 12 (approx) stitches to the inch works well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2347594857/in/set-72157603848418028/

Sew even ¼ inch seams.
This is the standard used in quilting. If you do not have a quilting foot, use a ruler to accurately measure ¼ inch to the right of your needle when it is lowered and place a piece of masking tape front to back to establish a guideline. This guideline is also useful to maintain an even seam line.

Sew the two 2 ½” by 4 ½” to either side of the 4½” square to form a row.

Press your seams to one side using a lift and press motion. Do not move your iron across the fabric when it is down as this may stretch or distort the fabric:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2348425914/in/set-72157603848418028/

Sew the two 8 ½” by 2 ½” rectangles to the top and bottom of the center row.

Press your seams again to one side.
The unfinished Happy Block should measure 8 ½” by 8 ½” square:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2348431138/in/set-72157603848418028/

You don't need to do anything to the edges, just leave them as cut.

Here is an illustration of a block that is ready to be mailed or sewn into a quilt:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2348433102/in/set-72157603848418028/


Here is an alternative layout using a print fabric in the frame and a tone on tone fabric in the center:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943809@N02/2335366028/in/set-72157603848418028/

If you have any questions please ask.

The Mods are always ready and happy to help!"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: scrapatches,

Pat, please sign me up for 6 - I should be able to get these done before my whole sewing room is packed up

I'll PM you my info.

Gerda

Yay!!

Thanks, Gerda

I will look forward to your PM with your info.

Good luck!

Pat

Sign me up for 6 blocks. I think I already have the fabric in my stash. I remember buying an oriental that just called out to me to bring it home and had no idea of what I was going to do with it. Now it has a reason for being in my cabinet.

Barb Mcf

OK, please sign me up for 6

I think I have some suitable fabric, also...but if not, I know where I can get some, lol.

quote:

Originally posted by Barb Mcf:
Sign me up for 6 blocks. I think I already have the fabric in my stash. I remember buying an oriental that just called out to me to bring it home and had no idea of what I was going to do with it. Now it has a reason for being in my cabinet.

Barb Mcf

Thanks, Barb!

I had two one-yard pieces in my stash, which "called to me" at two different quilt shows. Most of fabric for the "sample blocks" I borrowed from my daughter's small stash. She has mostly oriental florals at this time, so I had some in the house to play around with.

I think these will make a good Happy Block quilt and it is fun to try something new.

Please send me your personal info in a PM.

Best of luck winning these beautiful blocks come May,

Pat

quote:

Originally posted by carolep:
OK, please sign me up for 6

I think I have some suitable fabric, also...but if not, I know where I can get some, lol.

It is great to have you join the swap, Carole!

Please PM me with your personal info.

I know that LQS will be happy to see you if do not find any in your stash.

I have a shop not to far from me that has wonderful oriental fabrics. I plan to visit and pick up a few fat quarters and make a few more blocks. The ones I have as samples, since I borrowed most of the fabric from my DD's stash, I think I might add to and sew into a lap quilt for her to say thanks for sharing her small stash. So I will be posting photos of my own 6 swap blocks later.

I really enjoyed making these blocks and I hope you do, too.

Good Luck!

Pat

Hi I would like to join I will make six and if I win the quilt will be going to Japan to my Nephew. He moved there about 7 years ago after the Navy and married a wonderful lady and now have 3 kids. I love Happy blocks Laura

Sign me up for 6!

quote:

Originally posted by Nanawing:
Hi I would like to join I will make six and if I win the quilt will be going to Japan to my Nephew. He moved there about 7 years ago after the Navy and married a wonderful lady and now have 3 kids. I love Happy blocks Laura

Hi, Laura,

I'm happy to see you joining this swap.

Thanks for PM'ing your info, too.

Best of luck in the drawing in May,

Pat